JULY 2009

The increasing interplay of arts and technology is having a dramatic impact on virtually every aspect of our lives, from business to pop culture, and education to entrepreneurship.

A panel of experts gathered June 20 in the Silicon Valley to discuss the narrowing gap between arts and technology — and what we may be able to expect in the future.

"The crossover between arts and technology at Carnegie Mellon is stronger than ever and the boundary between the two is blurrier than ever," said Edward H. Frank (S'85). Frank, who is vice president of Apple Inc. and a Carnegie Mellon life trustee, served as the moderator of the panel.

The event – which was sponsored by "Inspire Innovation: The Campaign for Carnegie Mellon University" – kicked off campaign efforts in the San Francisco Bay Area.

"One thing that Carnegie Mellon has done historically really well is arts and technologies," explained Levin. "But the combination of the two has really been motivated, I think, since the revolution in communication technologies."

According to Levin, Carnegie Mellon's new hybrid program – which enables students to earn a double degree in computer science and art – is an indicator of progress.

The video game industry is already one area where art and technology have merged. Today video games are not just for entertainment; they're also used for education and exercise.

"I personally think they're going to save the world," said Trybus of video games. "If we can create something that motivates someone, you're not going to be able to stop them from learning what they need to learn."

The panel was part of an evening of events open to Carnegie Mellon alumni, students, faculty and friends. Prior to the panel, guests were treated to a series of demonstrations by faculty members at Carnegie Mellon in Silicon Valley, which offered an inside look at solutions faculty and students are developing that will change they way we live.

The evening concluded with a performance of "Time's Graffiti: Lucky Calligraphy" by Elizabeth Osorio (A'10).